SUNY
College at Old Westbury’s
First-Year Community Engagement
Program integrates community-based
learning and action into the first-year
curriculum. This program challenges
students to confront the big questions
facing the world today by participating
in and reflecting upon civic engagement
activities.
This
program not only integrates academic
study and analysis with field
experience to give students intellectual
insight into social issues while
directly engaging them in social
action, but it also pushes students
to critically evaluate and apply
course-based academic concepts
and theories to address authentic
needs outside the classroom. Because
students will be engaged actively
and collaboratively in the learning
process, they will learn the value
of team work. They will find meaning
in what they are learning and
will make connections between
the classroom and their lives,
building self-confidence and instilling
a sense of responsibility to the
broader community. In addition,
they will gain a sense of personal
empowerment and self-confidence
by working and succeeding in culturally
and economically diverse settings.
Student
placements are determined by linked
course content and objectives,
as well as students’ academic
and career interests, schedules
and other factors. In addition
to their normal coursework, students
participate in their internship
placements for a minimum of 30
hours during the semester.
Students
are expected to reflect on their
experiences in journals and evaluation
papers involving research and
analysis. They also consider the
relationship of community-based
learning to the College's social
justice mission, the value of
a liberal arts education, ethical
decision-making and career development.
In addition to the experience
itself, there are pre-reflection
and assessment components, including
readings and assignments. Classes
meet as a group at least once
a week and students are expected
to participate in mandatory workshops
and campus events.
Based
on the needs contractually stipulated
by partnering organizations, an
application/survey completed by
the student and any supporting
organization-related materials,
the First Year Experience Program
in collaboration with the Community
Engagement and Partnership Center
matches each student with an organization
whose goals and needs parallel
the curricular content covered
in their seminar classes.
Depending
on
the
agreement
made
with
the
organization,
students
may
execute
their
internship
responsibilities
on
campus,
at
the
organization’s
work-site,
and/or
at
a
location
agreed
upon
by
the
organization
and
CEPC.
